The 2012 DRAFT Marin County Housing Element contains sections that expedite permitting of affordable housing projects through streamlining and ministerial review and give incentives and exceptions to affordable housing developments. Sustainable TamAlmonte is opposed to this special treatment of affordable housing for the following reasons:

Expediting Affordable Housing Project permits through streamlining and ministerial review would obviously constrain public input on planning decisions. This is in direct opposition to looking out for the best interests of Marin residents. The planning department has repeatedly demonstrated a lack of knowledge of the Tam Valley and Almonte communities. Only with local input, did the department become aware of crucial information.

In the 2012 DRAFT Marin County Housing Element, exceptions are being made for affordable housing in regard to development standards, density levels, acceptable vehicular levels of service, requirements for infrastructure & public services, water & sewer requisites, development limitations based on hazardous conditions, and mitigation of adverse impacts, etc. All such exceptions should be stopped. Development of affordable residential units should be treated like any other development. Development standards & requirements & limitations exist for public health & safety, protection of the environment & wildlife, community values and for preservation of a high quality of life.